Release Officer

Join to apply for the Work Release Officer role at Anoka County
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Job Posting End Date:
January 14, 2026 at 11:59pm CST.

Hiring range: $57,324.80 to $67,350.40 ($27.56 to $32.38 per hour). Starting rate will depend on experience, education, and qualifications. Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County.

• Salary: $57,324.80 to $67,350.40 ($27.56 to $32.38 per hour).
• 2026 Anoka County Salary Schedule Grade 1108: $57,324.80 to $77,376.00 ($26.75 to $37.20 per hour).
• Night shift differential for those regularly scheduled at least four hours during evening hours (6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.) as outlined by the collective bargaining agreement.
• 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, flex benefits and more kacountymn.gov/benefits.
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• Advancement/professional development opportunities.

• This position will work at the Anoka County Workhouse, located at 3300 4th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303.
• Work is performed in a corrections environment.
• Expected work hours are six consecutive days on duty, including holidays and weekends, followed by three consecutive days off.
• Shifts are bid bi‑annually, based on seniority. Most new officers will be assigned to second shift (3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.) or third shift (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.).

• Coordinate safe and efficient custodial intakes and completing release procedures.
• Perform and electronically document safety, well‑being, and facility security checks.
• Provide constant and direct supervision of the in‑custody population in their daily living units, including various work assignments.
• Maintain facility rules and regulations using direct supervision, interpersonal communication, directives, disciplinary action, and physical restraint.
• Respond to and assess emergencies, restore order and security, and de‑scale and mediate conflicts.
• Contact employers to obtain work reports.
• Conduct inmate spot checks in the community and escort inmates to appointments.
• Transport inmates between the Workhouse and the Jail and for medical appointments. Monitor inmates when off grounds during transports.
• Collect urinalysis specimens, perform searches, metal detection, and breathalyzer tests.
• Ensure basic inmate needs are always met, including food, clothing, medication/medical services and shelter.
• Use a variety of techniques when interacting with inmates including group approach, teaching, modeling, and confrontation with motivational interviewing components as the foundation of those interactions.
• Always maintain confidentiality and professional boundary techniques when interacting with inmates.

• Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed
  • Requires a high school diploma.
  • Must be 21 years of age or older by date of hire.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or closely related field.
  • Job-related experience in a correctional or probationary setting.
  • One or more years (2,080 annual hours) of job-related experience in security, loss prevention, or military service.
  • Knowledge of the criminal justice system and processes.
  • Knowledge of motivational interviewing techniques.
  • Ability to understand state laws affecting correctional facilities, work release, and related court procedures.
  • Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when communicating with inmates, co‑workers, visitors, the public, the county and/or collateral sources.

• Standard office environment, correctional and detention institutions, field offices, courtrooms, offender/client's homes, hospitals and schools, and various community settings depending on assignment.
• Work activities may involve contact with, and the supervision of juveniles or adults charged with major or minor criminal offenses, and/or individuals who may be hostile, dangerous,…